Category Archives: Blog

Window in a Northern VA house that needs a professional humidifier installation

What’s The Use of A Humidifier In Your Home?

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Humidifiers benefit people with respiratory issues or dry skin by adding moisture into the air. However, while humidifiers can resolve such problems, you should take some precautions to make sure you get a humidifier that is right for you. The RA Dobson team consists of experts in our craft, and we are happy to provide professional humidifier installation in Northern VA. 

Whether you need assistance buying a new humidifier or repairing an old one, you are in good hands with us. We train our service technicians to the highest level, and they make decisions based on your needs. This means that we hold ourselves to a certain standard of professionalism and politeness when working in your homes. 

Below, we discuss the perks of using a humidifier in your home and why you should have RA Dobson install one:

Humidifier Benefits

  1. Preventing influenza

The authors of one study note that humidifiers can help prevent the flu from entering the human body. Specifically, when the humidity level rises above 40%, the number of virus particles in the air decreases greatly. This lowers the chance that they can infect you.

  1. Easing coughs

When your home’s air is dry, it can cause those living there to develop a cough. However, when a humidifier adds moisture to the air, these coughs remove phlegm from your system and thereby ease. 

  1. Reduce snoring

People tend to snore more often in dry air. This is because the air dries out their airways, which increases how much they snore. The moisture that humidifiers add to the air will lessen the snoring. 

  1. Keeping the skin and hair moist

In the winter months, it is common for people to experience dry skin, lips, and hair. This is caused by heat units in homes and by cold weather. Increasing moisture in your home can diminish this issue. 

  1. Benefits for the home

Your house itself can also benefit from a humidifier. The added moisture helps to maintain plants, make wood flooring and furniture last long, prevent wallpaper cracking, and prevent static electricity. Another benefit is that humid air is a cheaper alternative to classic heating.

Why Choose RA Dobson?

We offer a wide range of humidifier options, including Aprilaire, Performance™, and Honeywell products. Also, all of our humidifiers are backed with a manufacturer warranty and our 1-year service warranty.  It is our mission to assist you in choosing and installing the humidifier that benefits you the most. 

We have been serving the Northern Virginia area for over 45 years and we want to help people feel comfortable in their homes. We have also earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau with no complaints and the Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2016. We continue to hear positive feedback from our clients on Google, Facebook, and our website.

Professional Humidifier Installation Available Now in Northern VA

There are many ways that a humidifier can help the dry air problems that you are experiencing. If you are having such issues, then contact RA Dobson for humidifier installation services in Northern VA. You can reach us at (703) 982-0111 or fill out our free estimate request form on our contact page. 

Plumbing Repair Ashburn VA

Benefits of Changing Your Home Water Fixtures

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You may not consider water fixtures–sinks, bathtubs, faucets, or showerheads–as the most significant aspect of your home, they have a crucial function: distributing and draining water throughout the house. Yet if they are outdated, they may be less than efficient and dysfunctional. At that point, you should hire an expert faucet installation service like RA Dobson. 

We offer premium fixtures as well as excellent installation and maintenance services at affordable rates. Our team is dedicated to providing these services to clients throughout Sterling, VA, and Northern Virginia. We’ve served residents and businesses across the region for over 45 years, making us among the most experienced and well-trained plumbing, heating, and cooling service providers around. 

4 Benefits of New Water Fixtures   

  1. Higher Efficiency 

One of the greatest benefits of a late model water fixture is increased efficiency. New toilets, sinks, and faucets use less water than their older counterparts, which tend to leak. 


Newer models are incredibly efficient and conserve more water, which results in less being wasted and lower amounts on your monthly water bills. All this by simply updating your current fixtures for new ones. 

  1. Cool Features 

Newer fixtures also have advanced features that increase their functionality and ease of use. For example, Grohe–a high-quality water fixture brand–has produced a new type of control system for sinks: a foot-activated water faucet. This feature provides greater accessibility and ease for those that have difficulties with traditional faucet controls.

If you want a new faucet or another water fixture, consider ones with advanced features—you may be surprised at what’s available.

  1. Greater Appeal

Exchanging old fixtures for new ones doesn’t have to be a decision based on utility and function alone. Your fixtures also constitute a part of your home’s interior decoration. Newer fixtures not only look nicer and more polished than old ones but also come in various styles and colors.

Consider adding a stainless steel sink with a matching faucet to make your kitchen look more like a professional-grade restaurant. You might also use copper fixtures in your bathrooms to embellish a classical art-deco style. 

When looking to install new fixtures, talk to a professional about the options they have. They’ll not only provide a range of choices for you to choose from, but they’ll also help make sure you pick the ones that will properly fit into your system and last you for years to come.      
  

  1. Increased Home Value

Finally, among the most significant benefits changing your water fixtures will do is increase the market value of your home. This is because much of a home’s value is based on its appearance, function, and efficiency. 

Homebuyers are more likely to view a house on the market as highly-priced if its interiors, including its home appliances and fixtures, are more up-to-date. 

To them, it means buying your home at a higher price offsets the amount they would soon pay for repairs and maintenance if they were to purchase a house with older fixtures. As many would say, small things often make a big difference. 

Therefore, if you are thinking of selling your home soon, consider calling on a professional faucet installation service to provide you with new water fixtures in your house and easily raise your home value.  

RA Dobson: Faucet Installation Services Available in Sterling, VA 

Getting a set of new water fixtures installed provides many different benefits to you and your home’s water system. To get the best fixtures available, as well as skilled faucet installation and plumbing maintenance services, hire a professional from RA Dobson. Our company is among the most experienced in the HVAC and plumbing industries with trained and qualified professionals serving numerous residents and businesses all across Sterling, VA, and Northern Virginia. Contact us today at (703) 481-3700 and find out how we can help improve the quality of your home’s indoor cooling, heating, and water systems.

Sterling VA Plumbing Emergency Service

What to Do Before Calling An Emergency Plumber

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If you have a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night, you may want to call for help right away. Before calling an emergency plumbing service, you can assess the issue by turning off your water, investigating the root of the problem, and having a list of questions prepared for when it is time to call. 

If you experience any common plumbing problems, call RA Dobson in Sterling, VA, to address and fix them. We are a second-generation family business with over 45 years of experience. Our highly trained professionals are equipped to solve any problem they are met with. Rest assured that we can get your plumbing running smoothly. 

Below, we discuss how to assess plumbing problems and why you can trust RA Dobson to handle them:

How to Assess Your Plumbing Emergency

  1. No matter where it starts leaking from, your first step to controlling a water emergency is to shut off the water supply of that fixture. If water continues to leak after you do so, turn off the water supply for the whole house.
  1. Make sure to properly diagnose the issue and decide if it can wait until the morning to call. Even if that means not using a specific sink or shower for a few days and waiting until you can be assisted. 
  1. There is also a chance that the problem was caused by a mainline water break or sewer malfunction. Contact your water company to see if there is any they can cover to take care of.
  1. If it is necessary to make an emergency call, make sure to follow these simple steps to get the best service and price possible: give distinct details about your issue, get a quote for the call, request a free estimate, and ask if you can speak with the plumber. 
  1. If you are unsure what the problem is or what danger it poses, call an emergency plumber. It’s better to pay a high bill and prevent a catastrophe rather than flood your home. However, it is important to know how to address your plumbing matters, so when an emergency does arise you are prepared.

Why Choose RA Dobson?

If you have a plumbing emergency, you can trust us to repair it. We offer the following services: drain cleaning, faucet installation and repair, sewer line repair, and sump pump/water heater installation and repair. 

We perform excellent service for our customers and solve any plumbing issue they are experiencing. We earned Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2016 as well as a large number of 5-star reviews. 

Some of our customers’ reviews have specifically noted how kind and professional our staff has been when in their homes. Through it all, providing affordable and efficient service while going the extra mile to ensure our customers’ satisfaction.

Professional Emergency Plumbing Service Available Now in Sterling, VA 

Although you should assess the situation before calling, when you do have a plumbing emergency in Sterling, VA, make sure to contact RA Dobson. You will be met with high-quality service at a fair price while completing all of your plumbing needs. You can reach us at (703) 982-0111 or fill out our free estimate request form on our contact page.

Air Conditioning Installation Ashburn VA

How to Choose the Best Air Conditioning System

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With summer approaching quickly, you should determine whether your HVAC system needs repairs or replacement. To help with that, the R.A. Dobson team offers professional HVAC inspection, air conditioning installation, and routine maintenance. Plus, we can assist you in finding a new HVAC system by considering the various types, sizes, features, and more. 

R.A. Dobson has served folks in Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding area for nearly 50 years. Our expert team handles water heaters, plumbing, heating, generator, humidifier, and more concerns. We believe that excellent customer service comes from attention to detail, expertise, and treating customers like family. We honor all manufacturer warranties and offer 1 year of service warranty. Contact us to learn more today!

Below, we list and describe five factors that you should consider before purchasing a new HVAC system:

  1. Air Conditioner Type

First, examine which type of air conditioner fits your cooling needs. Although we can advise you on all types, R.A. Dobson installs and repairs central units. This kind is the traditional choice for homeowners; it pumps cool air throughout a structure via ductwork. Given their complexity, central air units require professional installation.

  1. Output Size

Once you determine your particular cooling needs, start considering what size output you require. This will depend on the square footage in your home, so we suggest that you find that output number then speak with R.A. Dobson to choose the right model.  

  1. Efficiency

One of the best reasons to purchase a new model AC unit is for their increased efficiency. Older units (even just a few years old) have lower SEER efficiency ratings than the newest models. This means that you pay more for the energy spent on an old unit.

Thus, a newer model could pay for itself in your savings on repairs and replacement parts. We offer Carrier products designed for energy efficiency, air purifying, as well as enhanced cooling. 

  1. Features

Along with greater efficiency, recent-model AC units offer a variety of features for better performance. The most popular of these: smart thermostats. These devices have all the benefits of smart technology, so they can learn your AC usage patterns and adjust accordingly. You can also control smart thermostats from your phone whenever it’s connected to Wi-Fi.

Also, almost all AC units come with a “fan only” option so that you can keep your indoor climate temperate. In addition to this, they have auto delay switches that help reduce cool air waste. It’s one more feature that can help you save money on energy bills.

  1. Warranties

One further factor that you should consider is an AC unit’s warranty. Virtually all recent-model AC units carry a warranty, which ensures that you are satisfied with the product. However, warranties differ in the length of their active periods as much as their coverages. 

For example, some warranties cover entire air conditioning units while others cover certain parts in these units. Generally, central air units have greater coverage – but you should always double-check possible purchases. Of course, R.A. Dobson offers 1 year of warranty on all our work. 

Professional Air Conditioning Installation and Repair in Ashburn, VA

Use this moment before the summer heat to ensure that you have a cool home for your family. Reach out to R.A. Dobson and schedule an air conditioning installation service or inspection. We have provided Ashburn, VA, residents support with plumbing, heating, generator, and more services since 1975. Our team offers the latest efficient heating and air conditioning technology. So, call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form for more information!

Duct Cleaning Service Ashburn VA

Reasons to Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

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The phrase “air ducts are the lungs of your home” illustrates the role that your HVAC system plays. It also suggests the crucial benefits that clean air ducts provide: reduced allergy symptoms, improved energy efficiency, and more. So, if you’ve neglected to invest in a professional duct cleaning service, reach out to R.A. Dobson now. 

Our service company has served Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding area since 1975. We are committed to helping homeowners and businesses with water heaters, plumbing, HVAC, furnaces, air cleaners, and more installation services. Plus, by honoring all manufacturer warranties and providing exceptional customer service, we help to support our community. Visit our website now to learn more about our exclusive online coupons. 

Below, we list some questions to determine your air ducts’ condition as well as a rationale for getting them cleaned:

Some Initial Questions

To begin, investigate whether your air ducts have ever been cleaned before. If you can’t find out, assume that they have not. Also, note whether dust covers surfaces that you clean frequently. Dust that accumulates in ductwork can spread throughout a structure due to airflow.

Furthermore, ask yourself: do your allergy symptoms increase when you turn the AC on? Or – if you suffer from asthma – does your condition worsen even though you’re taking your medicine? Your health can indicate the amount of dust is present in the air. 

Beyond dust, a few other things can contaminate your air ducts. Mold, rodents, and pests can live and grow in ductwork – they all pose health risks to your home’s occupants. Simply removing such contaminants is a strong reason to have your ducts cleaned. 

Why You Should Have Air Ducts Cleaned

Beyond removing pollutants, you should have your air ducts cleaned to: 

  1. Reduce allergies
    While you may work hard to keep out pollen, dust mites exist at much higher levels indoors than out. They get caught in your home’s airflow, circulating through the ducts and triggering residents’ allergy symptoms.

    Allergy symptoms should lessen once the air ducts are clean. Plus, removing dust from your house’s airflow should result in less dust falling on indoor surfaces. This is why we suggest putting air ducts on your spring cleaning list.
  2. Reduce the air pollutant level
    Besides dust, air ducts can host several other contaminants. These may include invasive visitors (such as the mold, rodents, and pests mentioned above) as well as chemicals. For instance, gas arising from a paint stripper in one room may circulate throughout a structure.

    In the US, adults spend a lot of their time indoors – up to 90% of it. Thus, cleaning air ducts helps to provide healthy indoor air and influences their health.
  3. Save money on bills and repairs
    If your home’s air ducts have never been cleaned, a build-up of dust and contaminants may undermine your system’s performance. And that reduced efficiency creates higher energy bills. Furthermore, regular cleanings help to avoid malfunctions by catching mechanical problems early.

    Investing in a duct cleaning service, then, pays for itself in the long run. You can enjoy improved cooling capabilities, which place less strain on the HVAC system. Plus, you can avoid expensive repairs and/or system replacements.
  4. “Refresh” your space
    Finally, you should always have a professional duct cleaning when you move into or out of a house. Doing so “refreshes” it, which benefits the home’s new residents by removing any built-up dust. Furthermore, since moving in and out can kick up quite a bit of dust, cleaning pulls it out of circulation.

Efficient Duct Cleaning Services Available for Ashburn, VA, Homes and Businesses

If “air ducts are the lungs of your home,” give them the best possible services. Call R.A. Dobson for professional duct cleaning service as well as plumbing, heat pumps, air handlers, and more. We’ve provided top-notch service work to Ashburn, VA, residents for almost 50 years, keeping their homes in good working order. So, call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form for a free estimate request.

Thermostat Repair Service in Sterling Virginia

Why Hire Professionals for Thermostat Repairs?

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Over the past several years, a quiet revolution has occurred in the home appliance industry: smart technology devices. With these in place, homeowners can access and control their HVAC systems and thermostats through their home’s Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, professionals should still handle thermostat repair and replacement to ensure a correct and warrantied job – even for smart appliances.

If you want a smarter and more efficient heating and cooling system, reach out to RA Dobson. We offer home appliance services throughout Sterling, VA, including plumbing, furnace, generator, water heater, and professional thermostat repair and installation. As a family business with decades of experience, we recognize the investment that your home represents for you. Let us help you to maintain and continue enjoying it.

Below, we list several reasons to hire a professional for thermostat maintenance and replacement:

Why Professionals Provide Superior Thermostat Repairs

  1. Their training and background
    Thermostats connect directly to HVAC systems, and an issue in one may very well create a problem in the other. Add a smart thermostat into that mix, and your air conditioning and heating have become complex systems.Yet HVAC technicians bring specialized knowledge to their work. They can inspect your system, diagnose its problems, and correct them thanks to their training and firsthand experience. In doing so, they preserve your home and prevent further issues from arising. They might even spot problems that you were unaware of.
  2. Their expertise and equipment
    While you may have some familiarity with your HVAC system, how much do you know about HVAC in general? Do you know what kinds of systems exist, or the fuels they use? Likewise, what about thermostats? Are you familiar with the latest features and additions on the market?HVAC technicians must have this industry expertise to do their job. They deal with different thermostats and systems daily, and they bring that to bear when assessing your home. Plus, they possess specialized equipment – such as multimeters and safety goggles – to complete their work safely and efficiently.
  3. Their availability and professionalism
    We all have busy schedules with multiple responsibilities to juggle. As a result, many of us lack spare time to fiddle with a thermostat. So why should you spend days or weeks trying to fix yours when a professional could do so in a few hours? They can quickly correct the problem and answer any questions you may have about it.Cleaning and repairing thermostats and HVAC systems are messy and dangerous jobs, especially if you lack the proper equipment. Save yourself this trouble by reaching out to the professional team at RA Dobson, which customers rave about.
  4. Their precautions and coverage
    HVAC systems and thermostats use substantial amounts of electricity to function, which makes them dangerous to work with. A novice may not realize the shock hazard that exists, which can harm them as well as their system and home. However, a professional keeps this danger in mind and takes precautionary steps.If need be, a technician will shut off circuit breakers to work on a system. And if something malfunctions with your thermostat, RA Dobson has a warranty in place. We provide one year of service warranty for our work, and we honor all manufacturer warranties.

Get Expert Service and Thermostat Repair in Sterling, VA

You should enjoy all the benefits that smart appliances bring to modern households, and you can with RA Dobson. We are Northern Virginia’s professional service crew, helping folks stay comfortable inside their homes and businesses. Our plumbing, generators, water heaters, HVAC, and thermostat repair services keep Sterling, VA, residents happy and healthy. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our free estimate request form to get in touch.

An home in Northern VA gets a quality HVAC Inspection

Spring Maintenance Checklist

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Routine home maintenance is crucial to maintaining your home comfort even as the weather gets warmer. It also allows you to catch any problems before they worsen and result in costly repairs. Get in touch with your local HVAC inspection company in Northern Virginia to help you detect problems before they worsen. 

At RA Dobson, our team adheres to the federal, state, and local government’s COVID-19 guidelines, implementing daily health checks on our technicians, wearing face masks, and providing contactless visits and quotes. If you require any HVAC or plumbing services, contact us to receive a free contactless estimate!

Here are a few items that should be on your spring maintenance checklist this year: 

Clean Your Ducts

Keeping your ducts clean on a regular basis, especially before spring, helps reduce allergens and allows you to breathe easier. With dirty air ducts, you could be breathing in fungi and bacteria. Prevent your allergies from getting out of hand with professional duct cleaning.

Maybe even consider installing an air cleaner to prevent pollutants from circulating throughout your home. At RA Dobson, our team receives high-level training and can help you determine which air purifier is right for you.

Check Your Heating and Cooling Unit

If your heating and cooling system experiences frequent breakdowns, then it will likely break down again, which could lead to emergency repairs and damages to your heating and cooling systems. Even if your system is a few years old, it still requires routine maintenance to function properly.

Clean Your Drains

Dirty drains are a common problem in many households. If your drains are clogged, drain slowly, or produce a pungent odor, then have a professional plumber take a look. Have your drains professionally cleaned to keep your home comfortable throughout the warmer months.

Generator Check Up

Before Northern Virginia’s hottest temperatures arrive, ensure your generator is functioning properly. An efficiently functioning generator will be able to handle any outages that take place during inclement weather and conditions.

Receive an HVAC Inspection, Routine Maintenance, & More in Northern Virginia

At RA Dobson, we are committed to helping you maintain your home comfort and safety with comprehensive spring maintenance and adhering to our COVID-19 safety protocols. By providing professionally trained HVAC inspection technicians that are dedicated to maintaining your home comfort, we ensure that you will experience ultimate comfort right away. 
We have served the Sterling, Virginia area for over 45 years, and you can trust us to provide efficient and affordable spring maintenance. Contact our team at (703) 481-3700 to receive a contactless quote today.

Sterling Virginia Heath Pump Installation

4 Heat Pump Features to Look For

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Heat pumps are a highly-beneficial alternative to traditional HVAC systems. They are also more versatile and efficient, providing both heating and cooling while using less energy. Heat pump technology has been improved significantly with the addition of advanced features that increase its lifespan, functionality, and efficiency even further.

With over 45 years of experience, you can be assured that R.A. Dobson’s technicians are highly-capable in efficient heat pump installation, plumbing, air conditioning repair, and more. Throughout Sterling, VA, R.A. Dobson has served thousands of customers, many of whom return for our friendly service, quality workmanship, and competitive prices. 

Here are 4 interesting features you should consider for your new heat pump installation: 

1. Variable/Dual-Speed Motors

One prominent feature among certain heat pump models are variable-speed or dual-speed motors. 

These are connected to the heat pump’s fans, keeping the airflow at a consistent velocity throughout the house. It ensures your home is consistently heated with fewer cool drafts and cooled with fewer waves of heat. 

Keeping your indoor spaces consistently cool or warm also ensures that your system isn’t wasting electricity. The variable/dual-speed motors will help keep your heat pump system energy-efficient. 

2. Desuperheater

Another high-efficiency feature to look for among heat pump models are those equipped with a desuperheater. It is an auxiliary heat exchange component that uses the excess heat produced by the heat pump’s system to heat water. This feature turns your heat pump into both an HVAC system and a water heater system, increasing your home’s energy efficiency. 

According to the US Department of Energy, a heat pump equipped with a desuperheater can heat water twice as efficiently than the common electric water heater installed in most homes. 

3. Two-Speed Compressors

Standard compressors that are installed with most heat pump systems only operate at their full capacity, which can end up wasting a lot of energy over time. 

However, a heat pump installed with a two-speed compressor can increase its efficiency by switching between full and reduced capacity settings, saving energy. 

A two-speed compressor will also have a longer lifespan than a standard one, since it can work at a lower capacity, reducing the amount of strain and wear it receives over time.

4. Scroll Compressor

Another improved feature to look for is a more advanced type of compressor, known as a scroll compressor, which have made heat pump systems even more efficient. This is because scroll compressors improve on the standard piston compressor by having a longer lifespan and producing much less noise when in operation. 

This is due to their improved design, which involves two spiral shaped scrolls. While one remains fixed, the other revolves around it, greatly compressing the refrigerant used for heat exchange. 

Scroll compressors come in a number variants too, each more efficient due to the greater precision they have in capacity control. The standard is the single-stage compressor, which works only at full capacity, while the two-stage and variable capacity compressors are able to switch to lower capacity settings for even greater energy-efficiency. 

R.A. Dobson: Quality Heat Pump Installation in Sterling, VA!

As mentioned in the features described above, heat pumps have advanced into becoming a worthwhile alternative to HVAC systems. At R.A. Dobson, we do our best to keep track of the latest in heating and cooling technologies. To us, our expertise in professional heat pump installation, plumbing repair, and HVAC maintenance, is all about making sure your home remains comfortable and efficient for years to come. Our high-quality workmanship and honest service has made us one of the most trusted HVAC and plumbing companies in Sterling. Contact us at (703) 481-3700 to learn more about our services and get a free estimate. 

Generator Repair Service in Sterling VA

Four Common Generator Issues

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Northern Virginia residents experience some of the hottest and coldest days of the year and being prepared is key to having ultimate home comfort. At R.A. Dobson, our generator installation service technicians are proactive in ensuring your generator can handle outages in the harshest of conditions.

As a locally-owned and family-operated business in Sterling, Virginia, maintaining the comfort of our community is of the utmost importance. If you require a replacement, we offer generator brands such as Generac and Honeywell, and we can help you determine which one will work best for your needs.

Below, we discuss the common issues you may experience with your generator.

1. Battery Failure

No matter what model your generator is, one of the most common issues people experience is battery failure. However, it requires a professional fix to ensure the circuit breaker is operating as it should be and that you don’t get injured attempting to fix it yourself.

Another reason why your battery may not be functioning is due to terminal connections being blocked by dirt and debris buildup. Having a specialist perform these processes will ensure battery terminals are tightened and your circuit breaker is working.

2. Leakages

With a generator that has experienced wear and tear over the years, it may be more susceptible to coolant leaks. If you are able to catch this earlier on, you may be able to prevent your generator from failing.

Not many people know they should inspect their generator every couple of years. If you find yourself in this boat, allow our team to inspect your generator and help you determine whether you have any issues before a repair or replacement is needed.

3. Low Fuel and Oil

Generators need fuel and oil to function efficiently, as lack of both may cause overheating, broken parts, and system failure. If the fuel or oil is too low, then the generator may be unable to respond right away.

It is also important to note that if the generator fuel has run dry, then air may enter the system and hoses. In order for a generator to function efficiently, air must not be present in the system. While it isn’t impossible to remove air from the generator, it is a hassle and takes time.

As a quick rule of thumb, always check your generator’s fuel level gauge before and after use. This will help prevent damages from getting worse and keep you from spending more on a repair or replacement. If your fuel gauge seems off or inaccurate, our technicians will help replace it if complete replacement isn’t necessary.

4. Worn/Damaged Components

If you don’t perform generator upkeep often, then it’s likely that its components have experienced general wear and tear over the years. On top of that, you might have overlooked any burnt electrical components, motors, coils, or damages caused by inclement weather or pests.

While we always recommend preventing worst-case scenarios with routine maintenance, we understand it’s easier said than done. And depending on your generator’s make and model, some may need maintenance more often than others and vice versa.

Choose Professional Generator Installation Services in Sterling VA!

Our generator experts can pinpoint issues quickly and provide solutions that work with your budget. Whether your generator needs to be repaired or replaced, our generator installation services are customized to your specific needs. For additional information, Consumer Reports has released a helpful Generator Buying Guide.

As our experience dates back to 1975, you can trust our team to provide you with the most up-to-date knowledge and experience to ensure your generator is prepared for the worst. We also offer a one-year warranty as well as honor all manufacturer warranties.

Receive a generator installation discount and save more on your service. Contact our generator installation experts at (703) 481-3700 to schedule an appointment today!

Running hot water from a quality water heater installation in Sterling, VA

3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

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Among the many features of our home’s water system is its capability to heat water to a higher temperature. Hot water isn’t a luxury but an essential for proper hygiene and cleanliness. Thus, keeping tabs on the condition of your water heater is vital to avoiding a disruption in your home’s everyday living conditions.

At R.A. Dobson, we are dedicated to maintaining and sustaining the integrity of our clients’ HVAC and plumbing systems through our expertise and thorough work ethic. Our team is highly-trained in each of our many services to provide a high-quality experience. Our services include essential plumbing maintenance, heating and cooling repairs, efficient water heater installation, and more. For over 40 years, we have helped thousands of residents throughout Sterling and Northern Virginia keep their homes warm, cool, and comfy. 

Here are 3 signs that indicate your water heater needs a replacement: 

Decade(s) Since Manufacturing Date

Find out the date of when your current water heater was first manufactured. The date is usually somewhere on a tank, typically on a label sticking to the side. However, even if you do find the label, it can be difficult to read, but there are water heater information resources available that can help you get a grasp on how to read them.

Even with the water heater’s manufacturing date in hand, how long after does it need to be replaced? 

Well, that depends on the type of water heater you have. Commonly, most homes have electric water heaters, which will last around 10 to 15 years, while some tankless water heaters will last for 20 or more.

In any case, we suggest that you consider getting a replacement after your current water heater exceeds its average life span, or at least have it checked and maintained by a professional to ensure that your home continues to have safe and running hot water.  

Water Leaking From The Tank

A sure sign of disrepair in your water heater is water leaking from the tank. The first thing to do is to check if any fittings, connections, or the temperature/pressure overflow pipe is leaking. If so, that means you’ll just need a professional to replace a component and not the entire tank.

However, if you notice that there’s moisture or even puddles of water around the bottom of the tank, and you’ve found that all other components are dry, that may mean your tank has sprung a leak. It will need to be replaced for it to work properly again.   

Rusty or Cloudy Running Water

When you turn on your faucet and see that the water pouring out is rust-colored or cloudy, there is a big chance that there’s something wrong with your water heater. There are one of two possible problems occurring within it: 

  • The sacrificial anode is used to attract particles of metal and sediment within the tank and to oxidize in place of the tank itself. Rust-colored or metallic-smelling water can mean that the anode has rusted over and needs to be replaced.
  • The inner lining of the tank itself has been corroded with rust, making it totally unusable and must be replaced immediately. 

R.A. Dobson: Expert Water Heater Installation in Sterling, VA

Looking out for these issues in your water heater provides you with a good benchmark for when you should have it replaced. However, you’ll need a professional to provide a fresh replacement, as well as an affordable water heater installation. At R.A. Dobson, our technicians are among the best and most-experienced in the Sterling, VA and Northern Virginia area. We offer numerous choices in high-quality HVAC units and plumbing appliances, as well as expert repair and maintenance services. Contact us today at (703) 481-3700 and talk to one of  our qualified technicians today.